Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said.
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris.
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
The New York City Fire Department lost 343 members on Sept. 11, 2001. In the years since, more than 450 additional firefighters have died from 9/11-related cancers and respiratory illnesses, while many more are still getting sick, he said.
"GBFD lost a former member, Bob Alexander, who had become an FDNY firefighter and had gotten cancer from working the call. His father Raymond, who also was an FDNY firefighter, passed away from his cancer also," Mead said.
"The effects of this day reach far and wide beyond just New York City. Even with all of this, there are still millions of people in this country, who continue to serve their towns and cities, big or small, whether volunteer or paid, and still put their lives on the line."
That day, the world witnessed both the depth of evil that humanity is capable of but also just moments into the attack an outpouring of love and concern as countless first responders rushed into the unknown, battling flames and falling debris, the Rev. William Murphy, of the Parish of Sts. Peter and Teresa, said during the prayer ceremony.
The world watched as firefighters, police officers, paramedics, dispatchers, members of the military, public servants, and ordinary people, citizens, answered a call no one could have anticipated, Hartsgrove said.
"They stepped forward in a moment of extraordinary uncertainty and showed us that service is not defined by simply a uniform, a badge, or a title. It’s defined by what we choose to do when a moment asks something from us."
While nothing can diminish the tremendous loss of Sept. 11, the memorial will forever stand as a symbol of gratitude for not only those who helped that day but for the people, families, communities, and freedoms protected by generations before us and will be protected for those who come next, she said.
This day serves as a reminder to the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives and the incredible courage and compassion shown on that day, Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon said.
"This day reminds us of the importance of unity, kindness, and standing together during difficult times," he said. "We honor those we lost by remembering their lives, their dreams, and the families of friends who continue their memory."
Although 25 years have passed, the world will never forget the events that unfolded that fateful day, the lives that were taken, the heroes who answered the call, and the strength of the nation that stood together, Bannon said.
"We remember their names, we honor their courage, we carry their stories in our hearts, and if we remember, their light will never fade. May their memories continue to be a blessing to those who mourn. May we never forget," he said.
The unveiling ceremony featured the playing of taps and a series of bell tolls, each marking a significant moment from that day:
- Bell One: American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
- Bell Two: United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.
- Bell Three: American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.
- Bell Four: The South Tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m.
- Bell Five: United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 a.m.
- Bell Six: The North Tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m.
A final bell was rung in honor of those who have since died from illnesses related to the attacks and their aftermath.
Tags: anniversary, memorial, terror attacks,
